The Golden State Warriors began the trade season after reportedly acquiring Dennis Schroder from the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday. The deal is not yet official, but the two teams are expected to finalize the deal on Sunday. Schroder provides Golden State with scoring, ball handling and playmaking, possibly off the bench.
Steve Kerr had the Warriors playing like a well-oiled machine to start the season, but they recently hit a few bumps on the road. They suddenly couldn't score or make stops in clutch situations, leading to blown leads and unnecessary defeats.
Golden State has been linked to several names ahead of the February trade deadline, with the team looking to add another star. Steph Curry and Draymond Green have a slight opening on their championship window, which the front office wants to capitalize on.
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Let's look at three players they could target to make the team title contenders.
3 players the Golden State Warriors should target
Clint Capela | Center | Atlanta Hawks
One of the biggest flaws of Golden State's roster is the lack of big men since Draymond Green, Kevon Looney and Trayce Jackson-Davis are all undersized. Steve Kerr is still hesitant to use a big lineup, but they have to go through some top centers in the West.
Enter Clint Capela, the Atlanta Hawks big man who has been in trade rumors for ages. Capela might not offer a lot on offense, but he's a better lob threat than TJD. He's a better defender than Kevon Looney, though the only problem is Kerr is unlikely to play him with Green in long stretches.
Capela has an expiring deal, so the Hawks might want to get something for him rather than letting him walk for free. They also have Onyeka Okungwu waiting on the wings.
Nikola Vucevic | Center | Chicago Bulls
A better fit in Golden State than Clint Capela, Nikola Vucevic is a different kind of big man. Vucevic can score in the low post and from beyond the arc, offering the Warriors a unique offensive weapon that would be perfect alongside Steph Curry.
The Chicago Bulls are exploring offers for Vucevic, who has two more years on his contract. He's much more expensive than Capela, but could also help Golden State get over the hump. Draymond Green can cover for him on the defensive end as well.
Vucevic gives the Warriors a legitimate second or third scoring option depending on who the Bulls want in exchange. He's also a big man capable of banging against the bigs in the West.
Jimmy Butler | Forward | Miami Heat
The biggest name possibly on the trade market before the deadline, Jimmy Butler has already been linked to Golden State this season. Butler has an expiring deal and his numbers this season are down at age 35.
However, the Miami Heat star is still an upgrade over Andrew Wiggins. He's more clutch, something that the Warriors are lacking during their losing streak. He's a natural closer, who can take over in close games.
The only drawback in acquiring Butler is Golden State has to be all in. It will officially be the final shot at a championship for Steph Curry and Draymond Green. The Heat are not letting "Jimmy Buckets" go for scraps, but for prospects.
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